Black Powder: Let's Get Started

By Ray A. Kraus

28 pages, soft cover: $7.50

Reviewed by Bill Scurlock

New shooters join the sport of muzzleloading all the time, and they need to know the basics of using black powder guns. Those who can go out and shoot with experienced muzzleloader shooters have an advantage on the learning curve. Others must rely on books, videos and magazine articles for their how-to information.

Ray A. Kraus has recently written an excellent primer for the new black powder shooter. In Black Powder: Let's Get Started, Kraus leads the newcomer through what he needs to know to shoot a muzzleloader safely. First he discusses the basic equipment needed for shooting and cleaning, going into detail where needed. Then he follows the shooter to the range and guides him through the proper and safe steps for loading and shooting. Solid information is given on powder charges, round balls and patching, bullets and sights. Step-by-step instructions are given for sighting-in that new rifle. Finally, he goes through the cleaning process as if he's standing with the beginner at the end of the shooting session.

I like this book for its simplicity and common sense approach to muzzleloading. It's not an all-encompassing black powder manual; rather it approaches black powder shooting from where most folks start, with an off-the-rack side-hammer rifle. It's definitely a book that I would recommend to anyone just getting into the game. Available from Golden Age Arms, 115 East High Street, Box 366, Ashley, OH 43003; phone: (614) 747-2488.